An all-new version of the top-selling Toyota RAV4 has been unveiled months ahead of its introduction to the Irish market. As before, the focus is on hybrid power, with a significant improvement to the PHEV model's powertrain in particular, though the dramatic new look and new digital architecture are also important talking points.
It's certainly not conservative...
No, and we're glad of that, even if the new RAV4's styling won't be to everyone's taste. It retains the blocky uprightness of its predecessor, and its distinctive trapezoidal wheelarches, but this sixth-generation model has much more sophisticated and muscular surfacing along the sides, advanced LED lighting signatures and a bluff front end giving the car real presence.
If you want to maximise that, go for the RAV4 GR Sport grade, as its front is opened up more with a larger grille, there's even more contrasting-black bodywork and a set of 20-inch alloy wheels on a 20mm-wider track to enhance the stance.
Other tweaks to the way the GR Sport model drives include upgraded dampers, a stiffer rear suspension brace and recalibrated power steering, though its hybrid powertrains are no different to those in the rest of the range.
Does the new RAV4 go far in electric mode?
Well, that depends on which version you go for. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV stands for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) is substantially better than the car it replaces in that it can now travel for up to 100 kilometres on electric power under WLTP conditions, mainly due to the use of a larger battery - of 22.7kWh capacity.
But Toyota did a lot more than fit a new battery; it also developed an improved electric motor, downsized the control electronics and enhanced the thermal control system. Not to mention a new packaging layout to bring the battery under the floor, to the benefit of a reduced centre of gravity.
Some drivers of the new RAV4 may appreciate the positive effect that will have on the SUV's dynamics, but all owners will approve of the enhanced charging capability. Now the PHEV's battery can make use of 50kW DC fast chargers - meaning a potential 10-80 per cent charge in 30 minutes - and 11kW AC chargers for a full charge in three hours.
Toyota's stated aim is for customers to spend as much time as possible using electric power. To that end, the new RAV4 PHEV comes with geo-fencing capabilities to make the most efficient use of the electric charge.
We assume that 100km range figure applies to the new front-wheel-drive RAV4 PHEV - the first time a plug-in hybrid RAV4 has been available with two-wheel drive. Its electric motor and the familiar 2.5-litre petrol engine work together to produce up to 268hp. As before, there is also an all-wheel-drive PHEV model, this time with maximum system power of 304hp and a 0-100km/h time of just 5.8 seconds.
What if I don't want to plug in a PHEV?
Don't worry, Toyota will still offer a 'regular' hybrid version of the RAV4 that can't be plugged in. Little has been said about its 2.5-litre engine, but the electric side of its makeup has undergone an overhaul to enhance efficiency and performance. Both front- and all-wheel-drive versions will be made, producing up to 183- and 191hp, respectively. Due to lower pricing, these are expected to remain the best sellers on the Irish market.
How much will the new Toyota RAV4 cost in Ireland?
We don't have Irish pricing to hand just yet, and it may be the very start of 2026 before the new RAV4 hits the road. However, it's a competitive environment in the 'D-SUV' segment and Toyota Ireland won't want to let the RAV4 slip from its current second place overall in the new car sales chart, so don't expect drastic increases. For reference, the current model is priced from €44,995.
Specifications and equipment details have yet to be confirmed, but a glimpse inside the RAV4's new cabin reveals a lot. There's a snazzy new 12.3-inch screen ahead of a chunky new steering wheel for the instrumentation, complemented by a 12.9-inch touchscreen in the middle of the otherwise relatively unadorned dashboard. Fear not, though, as we spy physical buttons at the base of the screen for the temperature and stereo volume controls.
Backing all this up is Toyota's new 'Arene' software development platform, bringing with it claims of faster responses, quicker creation of new technologies and over-the-air updates. Arene also underpins a new generation of Toyota Safety Sense - the umbrella under which Toyota bundles its active safety systems.
Noteworthy aspects of this include a new Front Cross Traffic Alert feature, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Vehicle Approach, Lane Change Assist, Lane Tracing Assist and an upgraded Pre-Collision System, complemented by the new Secondary Collision Brake function. Hopefully few of those are needed on a day-to-day basis by RAV4 owners, but the remote-controlled Advanced Park system could come in useful.
Finally, you'll not miss the darker, moodier pictures of the RAV4 GR Sport's cabin in our gallery. Red stitching and details offset the black colour theme, featuring a sportier steering wheel, alloy pedals, knee pads on either side of the centre console and unique sports seats upholstered in a mix of synthetic leather and suede.